As to laying on the wax, it is as follows:[1]
Take a cake of virgin wax (I don't know what animal produces it), and stroke it regularly over the surface of a warm plate (the plate must be warm enough to melt the wax as it passes over), then immediately draw a feather over it, and you will get an even surface which, when cold, will receive any impression minutely.
Note.—The danger is in not covering the plate all over. Now you will, I hope, show all the family of antique borers, that peace and plenty and domestic happiness is the source of sublime art, and prove to the abstract philosophers that enjoyment and not abstinence[2] is the food of intellect.—Yours sincerely,Will Blake.
Health to Mrs. Cumberland and family.
The pressure necessary to roll off the lines is the same as when you print, or not quite so great. I have not been able to send a proof of the bath, though I have done the corrections, my paper not being in order.
- ↑ The directions, which follow, have to do with the transference of a drawing to a metal plate for engraving. The plates in question are, doubtless, those of the Thoughts on Outline which appeared the next year.
- ↑
cp. "Abstinence sows sand all over
The ruddy limbs & flaming hair,
But Desire Gratified
Plants fruits of life & beauty there."—Rossetti MS.
